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Maryland Slot Debate Intensifies

MARYLAND – As reported by the Washington Post: "Behind the scenes of Maryland's intractable debate over gambling, some of the state's most powerful political insiders have been locked in a sharp-elbowed game of musical chairs, jockeying to be included in any plan to legalize slot machines.

"Though Maryland's political leaders remain miles apart in their negotiations over the proposal by Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) to allow slots in the state, this elite set of wealthy business leaders has stepped up pressure on all parties to find an agreement.

"In recent weeks, top state officials said they have received phone calls or personal visits from several of those who have invested in sites where slots parlors could go, including Baltimore Orioles owner Peter G. Angelos; Potomac builder William Rickman Jr.; National Harbor developer Milton V. Peterson; Maryland Jockey Club President Joseph A. De Francis; and Frank Stronach, the Canadian auto parts mogul whose company owns Pimlico and Laurel Park racetracks.

"Still others have met privately with the governor and legislative leaders to express their interest in sites that could eventually become gambling venues.

"…'It's become a game of musical chairs,' said Paul E. Schurick, Ehrlich's communications director. 'We know some of these guys will wind up with a license if a slots bill passes; we just don't know which ones.'

"Their personal appeals are not easily ignored, considering that for years now, many have been patrons of Maryland's political universe, donating prolifically to candidates across the spectrum. De Francis alone gave $200,000 to a national Democratic committee overseen by Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (Calvert) and $137,000 to state campaign committees through a catalogue of business entities.

"…These high rollers have also plowed thousands of dollars into lobbying, and the result, say several lawmakers and advocates following the slots debate, is that each has found his property eligible for a slots license in one proposal or another.

"…The increased pressure has driven House Speaker Michael E. Busch (D-Anne Arundel) and Miller to continue their search for common ground on slots legislation…"

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